The National Health
06/03/1973
2h

Peter Nichols adapted his own hit play to the screen, based on his experiences in hospitals. A riotous black comedy that's as timely today as ever, it contrasts the appalling conditions in a overcrowded London hospital with a soap opera playing on the televisions there. In an ingenious touch, the same actors appear in the "real" story as well as the "TV" one, thus blurring the distinctions even further. Jack Gould directs such outstanding British actors as Lynn Redgrave, Colin Blakely, Eleanor Bron, Jim Dale, Donald Sinden, Mervyn Johns, and, in only his second film, Bob Hoskins. The renowned Carl Davis composed the score.
Cast


Lynn Redgrave
Nurse Sweet / Nurse Betty Martin


Colin Blakely
Edward Loach


Eleanor Bron
Mr. Carr / Senior Surgeon Boyd


Donald Sinden
Mr. Carr / Senior Surgeon Boyd


Jim Dale
Barnet / Dr. Neil Boyd


Bob Hoskins
Foster


David Hutcheson
Mackie


Mervyn Johns
Rees


Bert Palmer
Flegg


Clive Swift
Ash
Gillian Barge
Dr. Bird
George Browne
The Chaplain


Patience Collier
The Lady Visitor
Jumoke Debayo
Nurse Lake


Robert Gillespie
Tyler


John Hamill
Kenny
Maureen Pryor
The Matron
Sheila Scott-Wilkenson
Nurse Powell / Cleo Norton
Neville Aurelius
Leyland / Monk
Don Hawkins
Les


James Hazeldine
Student Doctor
Richie Stewart
Mortuary Attendant
Graham Weston
Michael


Dandy Nichols
Hospital radio announcer (uncredited)
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